• 15% of your daily calories should come from PROTEINS.

• 1g of proteins= 4 calories.

• If your snack has 3 grams of proteins, how many calories come from protein?

Proteins are mainly used in our bodies for:

• Growth (especially children, teens, pregnant women)

• Tissue repair- building and repairing• Energy if other energy sources are not available.

Muscles &Cells

If you do not eat enough carbohydrates and fats for energy,

• Proteins have to supply the energy instead of building and repairing.

Sources of proteins:

• Proteins are found in ALL foods from animal sources.

• They are also found in foods from plant sources.

Most Americans consume too much

protein which is then stored as fat. Why?

• We eat too much RED meat!

Amino Acids

• Proteins are made up of chains of building blocks. They are called AMINO ACIDS.

• There are 22 amino acids. Your body can make all but 9 amino acids.

• How many can your body make?

• Amino acids that your body CAN make.

(13)

Amino acids your body CANNOT make. You must get them from food sources.

(It is ESSENTIAL that you get them from food.)

Complete Proteins:

• Proteins that supply all nine essential amino acids are called COMPLETE PROTEINS.

• All Animal Food Animal Food sources are considered complete proteins; including: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and soy products (EXCEPTION: only plant food source).

Incomplete Proteins:

• Lack one or more essential amino acids. • Plant food sources are considered

incomplete proteins. Sources: nuts, fruits, vegetables, peas and dried beans

• You must eat a varietyvariety of incomplete proteins to get them all.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE…

• 2 incomplete proteins and eat them together?

Bread +Peanut Butter =Complete protein

Pie Chart:

• 15% of your daily caloric needs should come from proteins.

• 1g protein= 4 cal.• Choose one different color and

color the section for proteins.